Maintain current knowledge of new technologies in the field through journals i.e. Journal of the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners and/or membership in professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Plan to complete a two-year apprenticeship under the supervision of a recognized professional affiliated with the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners.

Area:

Odontology

Sub-Area:

Post-mortem Identifi cation (mass fatalities, homicide)

Age Estimation

Bite Mark Analysis (assault, abuse)

DNA Collection and Testing (salivary)

Dental Malpractice

Employers:

Medical examiners

Coroners

Government agencies

U.S. Armed Forces

Law firms

Clinics

Private practice

Strategies & Information:

There is no specific major required to apply to dental school, though many students major in biological sciences. Research prerequisites for dental schools, and choose an undergraduate major that matches your interests and program requirements.

Earn high grades and seek strong faculty recommendations for admission to medical school.

Prepare appropriately to earn a high Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score.

Volunteer/shadow in healthcare environments such as hospitals, clinics or medical examiner offices.

Participate in student chapters of health or forensic-related professional organizations such as the National Association of Medical Examiners; pursue leadership roles.

Develop strong oral and written communication skills for speaking with non-medical professionals, including victim families and jurors, and for completing detailed reports.

Demonstrate manual dexterity, fine motor and problem solving skills.

Expect to spend 13-15 years in school, four at the undergraduate level, four for medical school and four to five years of residency. Candidates must complete an additional one to two year forensic pathology fellowship to sit for the American Board of Pathology forensic pathology examination/certification.

Area:

Physical/Forensic Anthropology

Sub-Area:

Human Skeletal Recovery

Human Skeletal Identification

Age Estimation

Ancestry, Sex, Stature Determination

Cause/Time of Death Determination

Animal Skeletal Identification

Soil/Vegetation Analysis

Crime Scene Investigation

Facial Reproduction

Body Decomposition

Injury Interpretation

Teaching

Employers:

Medical examiners

Law enforcement agencies

Private labs

Local, state and federal government

U.S. Armed Forces

Armed Forces Institute of Pathology

Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC)

Museums

Non-government organizations i.e. ad hoc tribunals

Colleges and universities

Strategies & Information:

Obtain a bachelor’s degree in anthropology or a related field such as biology or sociology with a minor in anthropology.

Seek student-membership in professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Gain research experience by assisting professors or other professionals with forensic anthropology casework.

Seek internships or volunteer opportunities in museums, and prepare to relocate to access the most employment opportunities.

Maintain a high grade point average and establish strong recommendations for admission to top graduate programs in the field.

Plan to earn at least a Master’s degree in anthropology to access most jobs in the field.

Earn a Ph.D. in physical or forensic anthropology for university and college faculty positions and advanced research posts. Many forensic anthropologists teach and conduct research in addition to casework.

Research certification offered through the American Board of Forensic Anthropology, which requires demonstrated experience and examinations.

Area:

Forensic Psychiatry/Psychology

Sub-Area:

Criminal Responsibility Determination

Competency Determination

Risk Assessment

Sex Offender

Violence

Suicide

Evaluation

Involuntary Hospitalization

Right to Refuse Treatment

Disability Compensation

Family/Domestic Consultation

Custody

Juvenile Delinquency

Parental Fitness

Abuse

Adoption

Sexual Harassment

Workplace Violence

Employers:

Hospitals including prison and state facilities

Local, state and federal government

Departments of correction

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Colleges and universities

Private practice

Strategies & Information:

Develop social perceptiveness, active listening, oral and written communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills for employment in psychiatry/psychology.

Earn exceptional grades, secure faculty recommendations and plan for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), respectively.

Join related student chapters of professional organizations and stay current on research in the field.

Forensic psychiatrists are medical doctors with a specialty in forensic training. They complete M.D. degrees, residency in psychiatry and often an additional two years of post-residency training in forensic psychiatry. Plan to spend at least 12 years in school.

Research prerequisites for medical colleges, and choose an undergraduate major that meets your interests and program requirements.

Learn the requirements for competency in forensic psychiatry sponsored by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Forensic psychologists obtain Ph.D. degrees in psychology. They generally earn undergraduate degrees in a behavioral science such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, etc. then complete four to seven years of graduate study.

Plan to pursue a post-doctoral fellowship in forensic psychology.

Secure licensure through your state psychology licensing board.

Inquire about forensic psychology certification through the American Board of Professional Practice in Psychology.

General Information and Strategies

Students interested in forensic science should note that countless undergraduate majors, minors and concentrations may lead to work in this field. The coursework is primarily science-based. Students pursuing this path should plan to complete numerous classes in chemistry and biology.

Beware of inaccuracies of the forensic science field as portrayed on television. Research the field and requirements carefully in advance.

Most professional forensic science positions require a graduate degree. Research admissions requirements, take prerequisite courses and plan for admission exams.

Demonstrate curiosity, analytical thinking and attention to detail for precise documentation of procedures and findings.

Develop tolerance for working in extreme conditions at times and in proximity to injury and/or death.

Join professional associations and community organizations to stay abreast of current issues in the field and to develop networking contacts.

Read scientific journals related to your area of interest.

Forensic scientists often deliver expert testimony in court proceedings. Learn to communicate and collaborate effectively with people in and outside of the criminal justice system including attorneys, judges and members of juries.

Plan to participate in ongoing training to maintain up-to-date knowledge of technologies/advances in your specialty area.

Research and maintain current certifi cation for your specialty through accredited organizations.

Some law enforcement officers work in the forensic science field after receiving specialized training offered by agencies.

There is no specific path for becoming a profiler. One must have a proven track record as an investigator before being considered for specific training in this area.

Engineering science is a growing field within forensic science. Professionals earn engineering degrees and specialize in areas such as accident reconstruction, failure analysis, quality review, design review, etc. Findings are often applied to litigation and regulation.